Boundary news

Exclusive Economic Zone of Palau declared as marine sanctuary

(29 October 2010)

During Oceans Day in Nagoya, Japan, Palau has announced that its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) has been declared a marine sanctuary. The sanctuary is aimed at protecting whales, dolphins and dugongs, in an effort to end hunting and harassment of marine life within the designated area. The sanctuary is also aimed at promoting tourism to the tiny nation. It is believed that Palau is one of the first countries to designate its EEZ as a marine sanctuary, which encompasses over 600,000 square kilometres. The country of 20,000 people has only one boat to patrol its EEZ.